Somaliland sites

Ahmed at Naaso Hablood

Naaso-hablood

The two peaks known as Naaso-hablood are landmarks of Hargeysa, the capital of Somaliland. The name refers to the shape of the peaks. The pyramid shapes have also prompted some people to suggest that these peaks might have been created by humans, like pyramids in Egypt (Giza) and in Sudan. Sada Mire carried out a survey at one of the peaks of Naaso-hablood in 2007 and found that the two peaks are natural and not man-made structures. However, it is possible that the shelters provided by the natural overhang of the peaks have been utilized by people as settlement at different times. There are stone tools found at the site that support such a proposal. During the survey at Naaso-hablood, the youth of the nearby communities also joined in enthusiastically.

Survey team of Sada and the kids

Kids from the community at Naaso Hablood

Maduna

Maduna in the Sanaag region, near to the town of ‘Eel Afwayn, is a major site of the Islamic period with architecture of probably early medieval times, located on high ground in a mountainous landscape. There are standing house structures, with some rooms still with roofs. There are a number of ruined mosques in the town. The locals warn about the snakes they have encountered at this site at various times. Sada Mire visited the site and entered the rooms of the old buildings including the mosque with a preserved mihrab, and confirms the presence of snakes.